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Former Wallaby: Folau 'a religious lunatic'

By Online Editors

Former Wallaby winger Clyde Rathbone has labelled Israel Folau “a religious lunatic” following the star’s string of homophobic social media posts where he announced his belief that gay people would be sent to ‘HELL’ unless they ‘repent their sins and turn to God’.

26-Test Wallaby Rathbone has delivered a scathing social media post of his own, criticising Folau for his conduct after the Waratahs fullback shared another controversial post on Twitter this week.

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Earlier in the week Folau tweeted an 11-minute video of a sermon that contained criticisms of same-sex marriage and gay people.

“It has become painfully clear that Australia’s best rugby player is a religious lunatic bent on self-immolation,” Rathbone tweeted.

“As the ARU thumb through their ‘Inclusion’ Policy’ they would do well to heed [human rights activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali]’s insight that ‘Tolerance of intolerance is cowardice’.”

Rathbone’s comments come after new Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle admitted her struggles in dealing with the Folau situation.

Folau’s off-field actions have gone unsanctioned thus far, despite Castle’s admission that he was ‘walking the line’.

She insists though that has nothing to do with the governing body being eager to retain Folau beyond 2018 when his contract expires.

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“In my career, this is singularly the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to deal with,” Castle told Fox Sports’ Kick & Chase.

“There’s no black and white answer.

“On the one hand, you’re dealing with a human rights issue. On the other hand, you’re dealing with freedom of speech and someone’s right to express their views, whether it be religious or otherwise.

“I think the test continues to be whether that’s done in a respectful way, so that’s the measure that we’ll continue to apply.”

Australian television host Karl Stefanovic has also addressed Folau’s views, issuing a passionate response on The Today Show.

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Stefanovic urged Folau to show “a little more compassion and love as the Bible teaches us”.

“When he posted that video yesterday, I think it went from a man responding to a question about his beliefs to provocation, and even persecution,” Stefanovic said.

“Life for many is tough, Israel. You’ve had your challenges, your struggles, we all have. So please bear this in mind. What about that young person at rugby training tonight struggling with their sexuality? What about the children and family of gay parents? What about those being tortured and bullied just for who they are?

“Israel, you have the right to say what you want, but at least show a little more compassion and love as the bible teaches.”

In other news:

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Trevor 2 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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Bull Shark 6 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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